The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has approved a Conciliation Agreement with a Modesto, California, rental property owner and his management company, Tri-Tal Realty, resolving allegations that they refused to rent a unit to a couple because they have three children. Read the agreement.
The Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to discriminate in the sale or rental of housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status. This includes refusing to rent to a family because they have children.
“Families shouldn’t have their access to housing denied simply because they have children,” said Anna María Farías, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “This type of discrimination has been against the law for more than 30 years and HUD will continue working to make the public and housing providers aware of their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act.”
The case came to HUD’s attention when Project Sentinel, a HUD Fair Housing Initiatives Program agency, filed a complaint on behalf of the couple, alleging that the family was denied the opportunity to rent a two-bedroom unit managed by Tri-Tal Realty because they have children. The housing providers deny that they discriminated against the couple.
Under the terms of the agreement, the owners and manager will pay $10,000 to the couple and $5,000 to Project Sentinel. In addition, the agreement requires that Tri-Tal Realty revise its policies and that its employees attend annual fair housing training for the next three years.
Persons who believe they have experienced discrimination may file a complaint by contacting HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 927-9275 (TTY).
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HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.
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at www.hud.gov and https://espanol.hud.gov.